Rep. Maxine Grad Seeks Re-Election

Rep. Grad has won awards for work on children, veterans’, victims and public safety issues during her decade-plus of public service

MORETOWN, VT – Maxine Grad of Moretown announces her campaign for re-election, seeking a ninth term for state representative for Moretown, Duxbury, Fayston, Waitsfield and Warren. “I am proud of my accomplishments and want to do more to keep Vermonters safe and healthy, and to help our communities thrive. If re-elected, I will continue to work on sustainable economic growth, property tax reform, and public safety,” says Grad. Her impressive record marks her as an advocate for public safety, crime victims, children and veterans.

As the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Grad’s mission is to promote economic self-sufficiency and development through sound justice reform. She has been influential in protecting domestic violence and stalking victims, addressing Vermont’s opiate crisis, and strengthening sex offender, child abuse and vulnerable adult laws. Grad championed the passage of a law that requires law enforcement to adopt statewide policies on fair and impartial policing. “I’ve worked closely with law enforcement, communities of color, and migrant justice advocates to continue this important dialogue and get law enforcement and communities the training and resources we need to further bias free policing,” said Grad.

“As a mother and policy maker, health and safety is a priority to me,” says Grad, who was named legislator of the year in 2002 by the Vermont Children’s Forum and Seven Days Rookie of the Year. Grad was lead sponsor of a bill that requires sex offenders to notify law enforcement of their intended residence prior to release from incarceration. “Too often, victims and communities were living in fear when offenders were released after incarceration. This law was an important step forward for our district and Vermonters,” stated Grad.

Grad is a strong advocate of local government and communities. She facilitated the acquisition of a conservation easement to the Duxbury Land Trust, helped with the designation of the Mad River Byway and served on committees addressing sidewalks and energy. She is a strong supporter of her district’s public libraries and the local food industry.

Grad has put significant effort into economic equality last session. She championed the Driver Restoration Law, which enables Vermonters who have had their licenses suspended due to their failure to pay non-safety related traffic fines regain their driving privileges by paying a small fee. “Living in a district with little to no public transportation, a driver’s license is fundamental to work, family, and community life. This law is an important step in the right direction to increase the safety of our roads and get Vermonters back on the right track to being thriving and contributing community members,” Grad explained.

Grad is a recognized leader on policies that have improved the lives of veterans, servicemembers and their families, receiving numerous Department of Defense Certificates of Appreciation over the past 6 years. Her efforts have been instrumental in the Department’s efforts to align services and benefits across all 50 states.

She is also known for her exceptional constituent work. “Whether it is providing leadership on laws that support my business or help me secure health insurance, Maxine gets results,” said Joan Wilson, Waitsfield business owner and resident. “Maxine Grad actively engages local board members to seek our viewpoints, listens to our concerns, and provides pragmatic input that shows she really pays attention to her constituents with a focus on problem-solving,” noted Kate O’Neill, Chair Moretown School Board. “Maxine listens to ours concerns. Her leadership and votes demonstrate her commitment to the safety and affordability of living in our towns,” said Jane Hobart, Fayston resident.